We’re pleased to announce that Pain Physicians of Wisconsin is now Pro Spine Pain.
We’re pleased to announce that Pain Physicians of Wisconsin is now Pro Spine Pain.
The spine, which is composed of vertebrae, serves as a vital support system for the upper body, offering stability and enabling movements like turning and twisting. Additionally, the spine houses spinal nerves that transmit signals from the brain to the rest of the body. These nerves are safeguarded by the surrounding bones and tissues, preventing any damage or impairment. Any disturbances in these nerves can impact functions such as walking, balance, sensation, and may even lead to back pain.
Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spinal column gradually narrows, resulting in spinal cord compression and potentially causing back pain. While minimal narrowing may not lead to any symptoms, excessive narrowing can compress the nerves and lead to various issues.
It’s important to note that stenosis can develop in any part of the spine, and the extent of its impact can vary. Spinal stenosis is also known as pseudo-claudication, central spinal stenosis, or foraminal spinal stenosis.
As nerves become more compressed, symptoms usually progress over time. You may experience the following:
These symptoms will typically decrease with rest, but will return with activity.
The most common cause of spinal stenosis is aging, which can lead to various degenerative processes in the body. These processes may result in the thickening of spinal tissues and the enlargement of bones, consequently putting pressure on the nerves and potentially causing back pain. Additionally, conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, spine defects, a naturally narrow spinal cord, spinal curvature or scoliosis, Paget’s disease of the bone, bone tumors, and achondroplasia (a type of dwarfism) can also contribute to the development of spinal stenosis.
If you are experiencing symptoms such as back pain that are suggestive of spinal stenosis, a thorough medical evaluation will be conducted by your doctor. This may include gathering your medical history, conducting a physical examination, and closely observing your movements. Additionally, your doctor may order diagnostic tests such as X-ray, MRI scan, or CT scan to visualize your spine, electromyelogram to assess the condition of spinal nerves, or a bone scan to detect any abnormalities or growths in your spine.
The first approach to treating lumbar stenosis typically involves conservative, non-surgical methods.
Initially, to relieve pain caused by this condition, your Wisconsin spine doctor may recommend:
If severe pain persists, you may be prescribed painkillers. Spine surgeries are serious, but in cases where conservative measures prove insufficient and symptoms persist, lumbar stenosis surgery may be considered as the next step.
Lumbar stenosis surgeries involve removing bony growths or protruding bone portions on the discs. These growths can irritate or compress spinal nerves, causing crowding within the spinal canal.
Options for lumbar spine stenosis surgery include:
In some cases, minimally invasive techniques can be employed for these procedures. For instance, keyhole surgery for laminectomy and foraminotomy are quicker and involve less recovery time compared to traditional surgery.
Similar to lumbar spinal stenosis treatment, the initial approach to cervical stenosis treatment often involves a conservative strategy recommended by the spine center’s doctors.
Nonsurgical treatment may include:
Advanced cases of spinal stenosis in the neck may lead to cervical myelopathy, causing symptoms such as difficulty walking and balance issues. When non-surgical treatments fail to alleviate pain or pressure on the spinal cord, cervical stenosis surgery may be recommended by your doctor.
This type of surgery involves the replacement of the ruptured or herniated disc with a small bone grafting plug. Over time, this plug grows to establish a connection between the two neighboring vertebrae. Alternatively, in cervical corpectomy, a section of the vertebra is removed along with the discs and substituted with either a bone graft or a metal plate and screws. This supportive structure helps stabilize the spine.
While most instances of spinal stenosis result from the natural wear-and-tear on the spine over several decades, the damage and deterioration associated with aging cannot be entirely avoided. However, making healthy lifestyle choices can help slow down the progression.
Measures to reduce the risk of developing stenosis include:
If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain, numbness, or other concerning symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional advice without delay. Schedule a consultation with the experienced team at Pro Spine & Pain by contacting us today.
